Searching for holiday lights in Stanislaus County? Check out these festive spots
It’s that magical time of year again.
Across Stanislaus County, homes and businesses are decking the halls with dazzling holiday lights and festive decorations.
The Modesto Bee is on the hunt for the county’s brightest and most enchanting holiday displays.
From charmingly decorated private homes to community light shows, Stanislaus County is glowing with yuletide cheer.
Here’s your guide to the top holiday decorations in Stanislaus County, including festive events and reader submissions:
Where can I find best holiday lights in Stanislaus County?
Where: 2521 Piazza Court, Modesto
When: 5 to 10:20 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Bee reader Dave Henke shared this festive home, noting its dazzling display of singing and talking characters, leaping arches and synced holiday songs.
It’s a “great show for the kids to watch Santa and his elves working in the window,” Henke told The Bee.
Where: 3313 Bridgeford Lane, Modesto
When: 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly, through Thursday, Jan. 1
Discover a “twinkling winter wonderland” at The Lights on Bridgeford.
The display features more than 35,000 synchronized LED lights set to 30-plus holiday songs.
“Visitors can enjoy the full experience from the comfort of their vehicles by tuning in to the dedicated FM radio broadcast or enjoy the show from the sidewalk viewing area, where outdoor speakers provide audio for those who prefer to experience the lights up close,” Bee reader Carl Snyder wrote in a submission.
Guests can also snap holiday photos at the glowing angel wing selfie station.
“The illuminated wings provide a magical backdrop for photos, and visitors are encouraged to share their snapshots on social media to spread the holiday cheer,” Snyder said.
Where: 908 Carolyn Ave., Modesto
When: From 5:30 to 10 p.m. every day of the week until New Year’s Day
This home features more than 15,000 animated, color-changing lights synced to family-friendly music.
“Tune to 87.9FM to listen through your car’s stereo,” Bee reader Blake Bryan wrote in a submission.
Where: 5600 Traminer Court, Salida
When: Any time and day after 6 p.m.
According to Bee reader Josh Thomas, this home transforms into a miniature North Pole.
“It’s the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer,” Thomas wrote. “Island of Misfit Toys as well.”
Where: 2816 Newhall Court, Modesto
When: From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. every day of the week until New Year’s Day
This year at “Newhall Lights,” the show features more than 15,000 LED lights dancing along to six Disney songs.
“Tune to 91.1 FM or park your car and watch from the sidewalk and still hear the music from our outdoor speakers,” Bee reader Anthony Machado wrote.
Where: 2800 Eastridge Circle, Modesto
When: Open from 6 to 9 p.m. every night until Christmas
There’s plenty to take at this Modesto home, shared by Bee reader Pamela Davis.
Twinkling lights and a village of inflatable Christmas characters — ranging from gingerbread figures to snowmen and Santa Claus — fill the yard with holiday cheer.
When will Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres open in 2025?
Where: Henry Avenue and Vaughn Street in Ceres
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6
Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres opens soon for the 2025 holiday season. You can find live music, food vendors, photos with Santa Claus and more at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth St., Ceres.
Homes along Christmas Tree Lane will be adorned with festive decorations and holiday lights.
To celebrate the opening of the annual community light show, there will be a parade starting at 7 p.m. at the corner of Fowler Road and Rose Avenue in Ceres.
When are holiday light tours at the McHenry Mansion?
Where: 906 15th St., Modesto
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21
Candlelight tours will illuminate the McHenry Mansion this holiday season.
Victorian-era Christmas decorations adorn the mansion as guests walk through the landmark home.
Tickets for candlelight tours cost $10, or $5 for children 10 and under.
Where can I see holiday lights in Turlock?
Where: Several Turlock homes
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8
In 2025, Turlock will host its sixth annual Holiday Lights Tour, inviting residents to deck out their homes in their brightest, most festive displays for a chance to win the title of “most spectacular.”
Here are the Turlock homes participating in this year’s tour:
- 3948 Pacific Grove Court
- 281 Eagleglen Ave.
- 3880 Fosberg Road
- 2200 Oak Crest Drive
- 4354 Tahama Lane
- 324 North Broadway
- 2450 Oxford Ave.
- 725 Bluefield Ave.
- 4354 Tahama Lane
- 4032 Windrose Drive
- 3290 North Olive Ave.
- 4344 Tahama Lane
- 441 Pedras Road
- 3609 North Kilroy Road
- 680 Bluefield Ave.
- 4261 Jasmine Court
Will Atlas Court in Oakdale put on Christmas light show in 2025?
While the homes on Atlas Court in Oakdale are known for their annual Christmas light show, the tradition is on pause in 2025.
“It’s been decided to skip the show this season,” Facebook user Jenny Anaya wrote in a post on Sept. 24. “Moving forward, we’ll see what happens.”
“For now we’ll enjoy a simpler season with the neighbors’ own decorations around the court,” Anaya said.
Submit your home or business for holiday lights guide
If you’re planning a festive light display, you can still submit your address and a few details about your setup through the Google Form.
Your display could be highlighted in The Bee’s 2025 holiday lights guide, helping others enjoy the magic of the season.
This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
